Geologic Analyses for Evaluating Watershed Heterogeneity: Implications for Otolith Chemistry Studies
Studies using otolith chemistry to distinguish fish stocks in fresh waters have suggested that spatial heterogeneity in basin geology determines the scale of stock discrimination possible with this approach. However, no studies have illustrated an association between spatial variation in fish otolith chemistry and watershed geology. We consider this relationship in the context of a recent study describing within- and between-river variation in trace element chemistry of otoliths from YOY smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from the Maury and James rivers (Virginia). Cluster analysis of...
